Eure Joins Trend to Restore 90km/h Limit
The Eure department in France is poised to restore the 90km/h speed limit on its secondary roads, marking a significant reversal of the nationwide 80km/h limit introduced in 2018. This decision makes Eure the 52nd French department to formally opt for the higher speed limit on certain routes. The change is anticipated to take effect in early 2026, following a vote by the Departmental Council and necessary safety assessments.
Background to the 2018 80km/h Measure
The 80km/h speed limit was implemented across France on July 1, 2018, specifically targeting two-lane roads without a central reservation. The French government introduced this measure in response to a concerning rise in road fatalities, which had been increasing since 2013. Statistics indicated that approximately 55% of fatal accidents occurred on these secondary roads, with 'excessive or inappropriate' speed identified as a factor in 32% of these incidents. Officials projected that the reduced speed limit could save between 300 and 400 lives annually. An evaluation report published in July 2020 by the ONISR (the French state's national road safety centre) and Cerema, covering the first 20 months of operation, suggested a reduction of 349 deaths on the affected network.
Departments Reassert Local Control Over Speed Limits
Despite the national government's initial rationale, the 80km/h limit proved controversial and contributed to widespread public opposition, including the 'Gilets Jaunes' (Yellow Vests) movement. In response to this discontent, a law passed in December 2019 (the LOM law) granted departmental authorities the discretion to revert to the 90km/h speed limit on roads under their control, provided they met specific safety criteria and conducted local studies.
Departments choosing to reverse the limit have cited various reasons, including a perceived lack of significant impact on accident reduction in their areas, increased travel times, and general frustration among drivers. Some local officials also argued that the lower limit could lead to riskier overtaking maneuvers. This flexibility has resulted in a 'patchwork' of speed limits across France, where 80km/h remains the default unless 90km/h is explicitly signposted.
Eure's Decision and Implementation Timeline
The decision to restore the 90km/h limit in Eure was announced by Alexandre Rassaërt, President of the Departmental Council, in October 2024. He stated that the 2018 changes had not demonstrably improved driver safety and had negatively impacted residents, particularly those in rural areas. Rassaërt also expressed a desire for a clearer and more consistent ruleset for drivers, proposing a 50-70-90 km/h structure.
The measure is expected to be formally voted on during a plenary session in February 2025. Following this, safety studies will be conducted on the affected road sections throughout spring 2025, with national road safety authorities assessing the project in autumn 2025. The actual change in signage and implementation of the 90km/h limit is planned for early 2026.
Ongoing Debate on Road Safety
The ongoing debate surrounding speed limits in France highlights differing perspectives on road safety. While proponents of the 80km/h limit point to studies indicating a reduction in fatalities, those advocating for the 90km/h limit emphasize local conditions, driver experience, and the economic impact of slower travel times. A study estimated that raising the speed limit to 90 km/h in 39 departments resulted in an additional 74 deaths in 2021, corresponding to a 13.1% increase in fatalities. As more departments revert to the higher limit, drivers are advised to remain attentive to road signage, as speed limits can vary significantly between regions.
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